The Audition before The Audition
As we go out and prepare for our next audition, we always want that edge, that one thing that can encourage, motivate, and maybe even humble us for the Big Day. Often during school, studios hold mock auditions once or twice a year just to give students “that feel” of what may happen for an audition. When I was in grad school, our teacher had all of his students prepare auditions CDs and “anonymously” submit them by a certain date. While this is beneficial, one of the barriers in doing mock auditions in a school setting, is it still doesn’t FULLY prepare you, mainly because you are performing for teachers and fellow students – people you interact with on a regular basis.
Special Gift at the Bottom of this Post!
I am not saying this is wrong at all. Giving “practice auditions” in front of anyone will help (I have done a mock audition in front of my wife – who in no way is a musician!) Sure there are competitions out there where you can perform blind auditions that give experience and know where you MIGHT stand. But what if you could send a mock audition recording to someone who has never heard you play, who has been there in the hot seat (and won), and is willing to offer advice, AND listen again to you a second or third time.
Now you can do this.
A friend of mine introduced me to MockAuditions.com – a place where you can record your audition materials for professional panelists. You, the auditionee, can submit a video of up to 10 minutes to a panelist who will then listen to your audition and record a video with feedback. You even can record for the panelist a second or third time, to continue the practice. What is great about this website is the fact that you can receive help for a specific upcoming audition such as the Navy Band trombone audition or the Air Force Band trumpet audition. You can choose professional artists such as:
Brian Hecht, Bass Trombone, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Brian Turnmire, Trumpet, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Matt Shipes, former Tuba and Euphonium, United States Air Force Band
Will Timmons, Trombone, United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass
James Ackley, Professor of Trumpet, University of South Carolina
Brad Edwards, Associate Professor of Trombone, Arizona State University
And others!
Visit this website for more information and begin to work on your audition!
Special Gift for LRM Readers!
MockAuditions.com is offering 10% off to anyone who uses the code LASTROW at checkout. The deadline for this discount is October 15, 2016. After that date, the code will get you 5% off your purchase.
